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Phlebotomist Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Maricopa Arizona 

Maricopa Arizona phlebotomy tech withdrawing blood from patient's armAn important first step you must take to enter the gratifying healthcare vocation of phlebotomy is to choose the best phlebotomy training near Maricopa AZ. It may seem like a daunting task to evaluate and compare all of the training options that are accessible to you. Notwithstanding, to guarantee that you will get a first-rate education you must perform your due diligence before making your selection. In fact, many students start their search by looking at 2 of the qualifiers that first come to mind, which are location and cost. And if you will commute to classes or participate online is an option you need to consider as well. Online courses will be discussed in greater detail a bit later. So when comparing phlebotomist training courses, cost and location must not be the only parameters you are looking at. Other variables such as accreditation and reputation are also important considerations and must be part of your selection process as well. To assist in that effort, we will supply a list of questions that you should ask each of the phlebotomy schools you are evaluating to help you pick the ideal one for you. But before we do that, let's address what a phlebotomist is and does, and afterwards continue our discussion about online schools.

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Phlebotomy Tech Career Summary

Maricopa Arizona phlebotomist holding two blood samplesA phlebotomist, or phlebotomy technician, collects blood samples from patients. While that is their primary responsibility, there is actually much more to their job description. Before collecting a blood sample, a phlebotomist needs to check that the instruments being utilized are single use only and sterile. Following the collection, the sample has to be accurately labeled with the patient's information. Afterward, paperwork has to be accurately completed to be able to track the sample from the point of collection through the laboratory testing procedure. The phlebotomist then transports the blood to either an an outside lab facility or an in-house lab where it may be screened for such things as pregnancy, infectious diseases or blood type. A number of phlebotomists in fact work in Maricopa AZ laboratories and are accountable for making certain that samples are analyzed properly utilizing the highest quality control procedures. And if those weren't sufficient duties, they may be asked to instruct other phlebotomists in the collection, transport and follow-up process.

Phlebotomy Education, Licensing and Certification

Maricopa Arizona phlebotomist storing test tube samples in rack

There are primarily two kinds of programs that furnish phlebotomy training, which are degree and certificate programs. The certificate program typically takes less than a year to complete and provides a general education along with the training on how to draw blood. It provides the fastest means to becoming a phlebotomist. An Associate of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, even though it's not specifically a phlebotomy degree, will incorporate training to become a phlebotomist. Offered at junior and community colleges, they usually take 2 years to finish. Bachelor's Degrees are less accessible and as a 4 year program furnish a more extensive background in lab sciences. When you have completed your training, you will probably want to become certified. While not required in most states, many Maricopa AZ employers require certification before hiring technicians. A few of the main certifying agencies include:

  • National Phlebotomy Association
  • National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
  • American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
  • American Medical Technologists (AMT)

There are some states that do call for certification prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech, such as Nevada and California. California and a few other states even require licensing. So it's imperative that you enroll in a phlebotomy training program that not only furnishes a superior education, but also readies you for any licensing or certification exams that you are required or elect to take.

Online Phlebotomy Classes

Maricopa Arizona female student enrolled in phlebotomy training onlineFirst, let's resolve one likely misconception. You can't receive all of your phlebotomist training online. A substantial portion of the program of studies will be practical training and it will be performed either in an on-campus lab or an approved healthcare facility. A large number of courses also require completing an internship prior to graduation. However since the non-practical part of the training can be attended online, it can be a more practical alternative for some Maricopa AZ students. As an additional benefit, a number of online classes are less expensive than their traditional competitors. And some costs, including those for textbooks or commuting, may be lessened also. Just make sure that the online phlebotomy college you select is accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization (more on accreditation to follow). With both the extensive online and clinical training, you can obtain a premium education with this means of learning. If you are dedicated enough to learn at home, then attaining your certificate or degree online may be the ideal choice for you.

What to Ask Phlebotomist Training Programs

Since you now have a general understanding about what it takes to become a phlebotomist, it's time to initiate your due diligence process. You may have already decided on the kind of program you want to enroll in, whether it be for a certificate or a degree. As we previously mentioned, the location of the college is significant if you will be commuting from Maricopa AZ as well as the tuition expense. Possibly you have opted to enroll in an accredited online phlebotomist program. Each of these decisions are a critical component of the procedure for picking a phlebotomy school or program. But they are not the sole concerns when making your decision. Below we have provided some questions that you should ask about each of the programs you are reviewing prior to making your ultimate selection.

Is the Phlebotomist Program Specific to Arizona? As earlier discussed, each state has its own requirements for practicing as a phlebotomist. Several states call for certification, while some others mandate licensing. Every state has its own prerequisite regarding the minimum hours of clinical training performed prior to practicing as a phlebotomy tech. Consequently, you might need to pass a State Board, certification or licensing exam. Therefore it's extremely important to enroll in a phlebotomy program that satisfies the state specific requirements for Arizona or the state where you will be working and preps you for all examinations you may be required to take.

Is the School Accredited? The phlebotomist program and school you enroll in should be accredited by a reputable regional or national accrediting agency, for example the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are a number of benefits to graduating from an accredited school aside from a guarantee of a quality education. To begin with, if your program is not accredited, you will not be able to sit for a certification exam administered by any of the earlier listed certifying agencies. Also, accreditation will help in getting financial aid or loans, which are frequently not available for non-accredited schools. Last, earning a certificate or a degree from an accredited school can make you more attractive to prospective employers in the Maricopa AZ job market.

What is the Program's Ranking? In many states there is minimal or no regulation of phlebotomy schools, so there are those that are not of the highest caliber. So in addition to accreditation, it's important to check out the reputations of any colleges you are reviewing. You can start by asking the schools for references from employers where they refer their graduates as part of their job placement program. You can research internet school rating and review services and ask the accrediting agencies for their reviews as well. You can also talk to several Maricopa AZ hospitals or clinics that you may be interested in working for and find out if they can provide any insights. As a closing thought, you can contact the Arizona school licensing authority and find out if any complaints have been filed or if the schools are in full compliance.

Is Sufficient Training Provided? First, check with the state regulator where you will be working to learn if there are any minimum requirements for the amount of training, both clinical and classroom. At a minimum, any phlebotomist program that you are considering should furnish at least 40 hours of classroom training (the majority require 120) and 120 hours of practical training. Anything lower than these minimums might indicate that the program is not expansive enough to furnish adequate training.

Are Internships Included? Ask the programs you are considering if they have an internship program in collaboration with area medical facilities. They are the optimal way to get hands-on clinical training typically not provided on campus. As an additional benefit, internships can assist students develop relationships within the local Maricopa AZ healthcare community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Available? Finding your first phlebotomy job will be a lot easier with the assistance of a job placement program. Find out if the colleges you are considering provide assistance and what their job placement percentage is. If a college has a higher rate, signifying they place the majority of their students in positions, it's an indication that the program has both a good reputation as well as an extensive network of professional contacts within the Maricopa AZ health care community.

Are Classes Compatible With Your Schedule? And last, it's important to confirm that the final program you choose offers classes at times that are compatible with your active schedule. This is especially important if you choose to still work while going to college. If you need to attend classes in the evenings or on weekends near Maricopa AZ, make sure they are offered at those times. Also, if you can only attend part-time, confirm it is an option also. Even if you have decided to attend online, with the practical training requirement, make certain those hours can also be completed within your schedule. And find out what the make-up policy is should you have to miss any classes because of illness or emergencies.

Find Out About How to Become a Phlebotomist in Maricopa

Enroll in the Best Maricopa Phlebotomist Training

Making sure that you enroll in the right phlebotomist training is a critical first step toward your success in this rewarding medical care career position. As we have covered in this article, there are a number of factors that go into the selection of a superior school. Phlebotomist certificate or degree programs are found in a number of academic institutes, such as community or junior colleges, vocational schools, and colleges and universities that provide a comprehensive range of courses in healthcare and medical sciences. Program options can differ slightly across the country as each state has its own prerequisites when it comes to phlebotomy training, certification and licensing. The most important point is that you need to diligently evaluate and compare each program prior to making your final choice. By asking the questions that we have presented, you will be able to fine tune your options so that you can select the best phlebotomist school for you. And with the proper training, you can reach your goal of becoming a phlebotomist in Maricopa Arizona.





 

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